Growing as an artist & Verdi's timeless juggernaut

WFMT
March 2024

Jamie Barton has been performing at Lyric Opera of Chicago, which she describes as a “home house,” for more than a decade, since her second season as a professional opera singer. It’s a stage that has seen her artistry and career grow profoundly.

The celebrated mezzo-soprano is back at Lyric to close out the season with one of opera’s grandest works — a production of Verdi’s that also stars Michelle Bradley in the title role and Russell Thomas as Radamès.

With a grin, Barton shares, “I am so happy to be here doing this one. It’s a good one.”

From a musical and dramatic standpoint, this work is no small undertaking. For the second time in her career, Barton plays Amneris, the entitled, duplicitous, yet tragic foil to Aida. The character has taken some time to grow on Barton, and embodying Amneris can be a challenge. As the artist reflects, “While I wouldn’t hang out with Amneris in real life, it’s a fascinating study of character.”

Safe to say, it’s a challenge the mezzo is up for.

While in town, Barton will also do her part to foster growth in other artists, leading a Master Class at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music.

So, as she returns to Lyric and takes on Amneris for the second time, WFMT checked in with Jamie Barton on growing as an artist and the richness of Verdi.

Read the full interview on WFMT!